Hollywood, CA: Actor Bill Paxton, who inspired a generation of storm chasers in the movie “Twister”, has died.

Hollywood, CA: Actor Bill Paxton, who inspired a generation of storm chasers in the movie “Twister”, has died.

The actor who inspired future storm chasers in the movie “Twister”, 61 year old Bill Paxton, has died on Saturday, February 25th, 2017 following complications from surgery.

According to a statement from a representative of Bill Paxton’s family. “It is with heavy hearts we share the news that Bill Paxton has passed away due to complications from surgery. A loving husband and father, Bill began his career in Hollywood working on films in the art department and went on to have an illustrious career spanning four decades as a beloved and prolific actor and filmmaker. Bill’s passion for the arts was felt by all who knew him, and his warmth and tireless energy were undeniable. We ask to please respect the family’s wish for privacy as they mourn the loss of their adored husband and father.”

Bill Paxton began his career in Hollywood, California working on films in the art department and went on to have an illustrious career spanning four decades as a beloved and prolific actor and filmmaker.”

The Texas native got his start in films in the art department on Roger Corman movies in the 1970’s before getting a chance to go in front of the camera.

Early in his career, Bill Paxton had small parts in “The Terminator” (1984) and “Aliens” (1986) which both films were directed by James Cameron.

James Cameron later featured Bill Paxton as a used-car salesman in “True Lies” (1994) and as the treasure-hunting scientist who salvaged the wreck of the ocean liner in “Titanic” (1997).

Bill Paxton then starred in Ron Howard’s Oscar-nominated film “Apollo 13” (1995) and in “Twister” (1996) as a storm-chaser.

Bill Paxton appeared regularly on television, including playing Bill Henrickson, the patriarch of a polygamist family in Utah, on the HBO series “Big Love” from 2006 to 2011.

Bill Paxton has received 3 Golden Globe nominations for his portrayal.

In 2012, Bill Paxton was nominated for an Emmy Award for playing Randolph McCoy in the 3 part mini series “Hatfields & McCoys” on the History Channel.

In 2014, Bill Paxton appeared in six episodes of “Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.” on ABC.

Recently, Bill Paxton returned to television as the star of “Training Day,” CBS’s new police drama.

The television series, a spin off of the 2001 movie starring Denzel Washington, had its premiere earlier February 2017 and only 4 episodes have been broadcast.

A total of13 episodes of the television series “Training Day” have been filmed with Bill Paxton appearing in all of them.

The 61-year-old actor leaves behind 2 children and was married to wife Louise Newbury for 30 years.

In honor Bill Paxton role in the disaster movie “Twister,” which inspired a generation of storm chasers, nearly 200 storm chasers paid tribute to actor Bill Paxton by spelling out his initials using GPS coordinates on a map depicting the heart of Tornado Alley.

The effort coordinated Sunday, February 26th, 2017 by Spotter Network spelled out “BP”.

Most people participating did not travel, but they instead entered GPS coordinates manually to spell the letters on a map centered around Wakita, Oklahoma.

The National Weather Service joined Hollywood stars in honoring Bill Paxton.

Twister was an inspiration to many budding meteorologists over the last 20 years. Thank you, Bill Paxton, a.k.a. Bill "The Extreme" Harding. pic.twitter.com/OmsB7hkCYF

Actress Helen Hunt, who played a meteorologist named Jo Thornton in the movie “Twister”, tweeted, “He made this movie great–he acted his heart out. What a talented man. My thoughts are with his family.”

Moments ago at the 89th Academy Awards ceremony in Hollywood, California, actress Jennifer Aniston hold back tears as she presented a tribute the those who we loss, including Bill Paxton.